Velazquez earns first-team All-OEC honors

COSTA MESA -- Orange Coast College sophomore defender Jared Velazquez made his second stint on the All-Orange Empire Conference squad for his Pirate career, earning first-team honors for the 2022 season.

Velazquez -- a solid 6-foot, second-year back-line standout -- was a second-team selection as a freshman in 2021. This year, Velazquez led the Pirates in goals (five) and points (11), while anchoring a steady defensive corps for OCC. The hard-nosed Velazquez was the physical and vocal leader for this year's club, earning the captain's armband for all 18 matches that he played. He was also a perfect 2-for-2 on penalty-kick opportunities.

A pair of Pirates -- freshman Alfonso Morales and sophomore Will Hooper -- earned second-team honors for their strong play this year.